After a very snowy week in Colorado, the focus this week shifts to Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and New England as two systems will bring bountiful powder to both coasts this week.
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Today, the snow is falling in earnest across the mountains of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and portions of western Maine. A Winter Weather Advisory is currently in effect with anywhere between 3-6″ forecasted by this evening for portions of Southern Vermont. Look for ski areas such as Mount Snow and Okemo for the biggest snowfall totals.
In the Western USA and specifically the Pacific Northwest, expect biblical snowfall to cover the ski areas of Washington, Oregon, and coastal British Columbia including but not limited to Whistler Blackcomb, which could see over a foot by Friday.
So it's going to be wet in the lowlands and snowy in the mountains. How should you prepare? Take a look a few tips to help you get ready for the end of the week — especially if you have travel plans or live near a river, stream, or water way! #wawx pic.twitter.com/kX6BjSAH8Z
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) December 17, 2019
At Mt Baker Ski Area, NOAA is currently forecasting upwards of 70″ of snow (almost 6 feet) by Friday evening. Further south at Mt Bachelor, snow totals could reach upwards of 30″ by Saturday morning. All that powder will offer some much needed relief for the snow-starved ski populations of Portland and Seattle, both of which have been itching to get on the hill since November.
Mt Baker Forecast:
Hydrologic Outlook [Pacific Northwest]
Snow levels will begin around 3,000 feet but will rise to around 5,500 feet by late Thursday into Friday. The timing of the increase in snow levels, as well as the location where the heaviest precipitation sets up, will impact the degree of flooding at particular locations. Nonetheless, these rainfall amounts are likely sufficient to lead to flooding impacts on several area rivers by the weekend, and some of these impacts could be widespread or significant.
Mount Snow Forecast:
Winter Weather Advisory [New England]
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…Snow. Storm total accumulation of 3 to 6 inches.
* WHERE…Mohawk Valley, Schoharie Valley, Helderbergs, Capital Region, Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs areas, northern and Central Taconics, southern Vermont and the northern Berkshires.
* WHEN…Until 10 PM EST this evening. The bulk of the snow accumulation will be done by 6 PM.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions and low visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the evening commute.